Activities For Affen Spaniels

Introduction

These small to medium dogs were never meant to chase prey or go on epic adventures. The Affen Spaniel was bred to create the perfect herding and companion dog. A hybrid of the Affenpinscher and the Cocker Spaniel, this type of dog wants nothing more than to spend some quality time with their owners and have fun with their families. Indoor games and mentally stimulating games are needed to develop their intelligence. They also tend to get attached to their owners, so the more time you spend with them, the more they will come to love you. Take your little companion on all sorts of adventures, it's your attention that they will appreciate the most.

Pick Up Game

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Toy Box

Toys

Activity description

Does your Affen Spaniel have a designated toy box? We know that the house actually belongs to them so they have toys in every room, but it might be helpful to assign them a specific box. This activity will help them to clean up after themselves and have fun while doing it. All you need to do is show them what to do the first time. After you have done that, you could add your own variations and make different games from this one activity. It's mentally stimulating and it is a neat trick to show other dog owners. Prepare to be amazed at your dog's capabilities.

Step

1

Play with the toys

This activity is fun because it requires that the toy box be empty before you begin. You can spend some time playing with their favorite toys and get them excited. Besides, you never know how much fun you will have just playing with old toys.

Step

2

Scatter the toys

When playing with the toys, make sure that you're messy. Let your dog throw the toys around, or even scatter them yourself. The toys need to be all over the place for this game to have the most impact. Don't be afraid to make it challenging for them, put a few on chairs or even hide a few if your dog has advanced experience with this game.

Step

3

Return the toys

Now is the fun part. Your dog has to pick up and return all the toys that were scattered around. Turn it into a game or make it into a competition. It is important that you show them what to do and praise good behavior. Make sure that you have some treats ready, they deserve them!

3 Cups

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

3 Identical cups

Dog treats

Small plastic ball

Activity description

What greater joy could there be in life than successfully bamboozling your dog? It is so much fun because they don't expect it. Of course, we would never want to frustrate them, and they do catch on pretty quickly. With this game, you will get to enjoy a few bamboozled expressions and the joy of watching your dog become smarter. Soon, your Affen Spaniel will be the smartest dog in your house. All you need is a few plastic cups, they need to be identical. You could use disposable cups, but if you have matching glass cups then those will be fine too. They can't be clear though. Your dog must not be able to see the ball.

Step

1

Set up

Before you set up, you need to establish the importance of the little ball. Let your dog sniff at it. If they touch it with their nose or paw, then give them a treat. This will get them excited and they will try to get at the ball. Slowly place the ball under one of the cups.

Step

2

Switch up

Don't be afraid to really switch things up. Although to get your dog in the game, start simply. Don't worry, you will get your chance to confuse them soon enough. You want them to get the point of the game before making it too difficult to follow. Build their confidence by giving them one or two easy wins.

Step

3

Bamboozled again!

Dogs have the best reaction to getting tricked. They get all flustered and excited, which makes them entertaining to watch. If you want, you can get someone to film the experience so that you can relive it whenever you want. Just make sure that you do not frustrate your dog. Frustration will undo a lot of the good that you're teaching them.

Stop and Go

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Treats

Water for hydration

Leash

Activity description

At some point, you're going to want to let your Affen Spaniel off their leash in a public place. You want them to be trained so well that they will listen to your commands and not take off running. You might want to go to the beach or hiking, and they will want to make the most out of the experience. This activity will train them to obey basic commands and turn it into a fun game in the process. After a short while, you will feel confident to let your dog off their leash completely and feel the freedom your trust allows them.

Step

1

Go for a walk

Take your dog on your usual walking route. If you want to teach them new tricks, then it would be best to do so in a familiar environment to keep them from getting overwhelmed and forgetting everything. Keep them walking at a brisk fun pace, so that they can get in the needed exercise.

Step

2

Stop and go

At regular intervals during your walk, make your dog stop. Stop with them, and after waiting for a little while, make them go again. Allow them to experience the sights and smells for a few seconds in between the briskly paced trek. Every time they successfully obey a command, give them lots of praise and a treat!

Step

3

Be patient

Your dog might not get the hang of the game immediately, but don't get upset. They will master this activity in no time. They just need you to be as patient as possible with them. As soon as they get the hang of it, you can step it up and make things a little more complicated.

More Fun Ideas...

Roller ball

Don't feel like getting up or doing anything? Your dog doesn't understand that feeling. What you need is a compromise. Rollerball is like fetch but without all the effort. You need to take a tennis ball, or any other type of ball and roll it away from you. Your dog will chase after the ball and bring it back to you. Then you roll it away again. See? Compromise.

Muffin Pan Game

Take a simple muffin pan, put some treats in the spaces and place tennis balls on top of the treats. Your dog will have to get past the balls to the treats. This game should keep them busy and interested for a bit, while you rest or take a video.

Conclusion

Affen Spaniels were bred to herd flocks and keep their masters company. Their lovable personality and cuddly exterior are probably what drove you to adopt one in the first place. They are wonderful companions, and there is no doubt that you want to show them how important they are to you. Your Affen Spaniel made a difference in your life, and you'd like to thank them for that. The best gift you can give them is your time. So, bamboozle them with cups, make them stop and then go on their walks or sharpen their intelligence with a muffin pan. They'll love you for it!